Rheumatoid Awareness Day- The First Ever Day in Recognition of this Chronic Illness, and What YOU Can Do!

I just wanted to bring some attention to Rheumatoid Awareness Day, which is going on today.
While I don't have RA, I am experienced with the condition as I know a few people living with it, and I truly believe it is a disease that needs awareness brought to it.  So today I'm asking you to take a few minutes to educate yourself!

This is part of the press release put out by the Rheumatoid Patient Foundation:

 Rheumatoid Patient Foundation (RPF) announces the establishment of Rheumatoid Awareness Day to be held each year on February 2, giving people with the chronic illness known as rheumatoid arthritis, or rheumatoid disease, a day of recognition. Because the disease is commonly presumed to be a type of arthritis, awareness is lacking, causing problems with disability accommodations, clinical care, healthcare reimbursement and research funding.February 2 already boasts the observance of Groundhog Day, from which several analogies can be drawn to rheumatoid disease. “Compare disease onset to the moment the groundhog comes out of his hole to look for his shadow,” says Kelly Young, founder of the RPF. “It’s impossible to predict how aggressive the disease will be or whether treatments will be effective. The six weeks that the groundhog forecasts correspond to the short window of opportunity for people with rheumatoid disease to get early diagnosis and treatment, which has been shown to be a crucial component of positive outcome.”

I'm also going to share a few of the graphics provided by the RPF to help you better understand this illness! 

This is one of my favorite quotes and it is so applicable to this day! Educating yourself and better understanding what Rheumatoid patients deal with every day will help you to be kinder and more understanding!

(All images via the Rheumatoid Patient Foundation)

Now that you know a little more about Rheumatoid Arthritis, consider passing this on or donating to help fund research and awareness for this disease.

If you donate HERE before February 5th, Crescendo Bioscience will match your donation to the Rheumatoid Patient Foundation! 

Thanks for reading this, and taking the time to educate yourself. Education about misunderstood illnesses such as this one makes such a big difference in legislature, patient care, and daily interactions with others for patients.

Hope you're all happy and healthy! 

Stay beautiful, 

Hannah